Diamonds are the shimmering centrepiece of engagement rings. Before a diamond can crown your engagement ring, it must go through a transformation from a rough stone to a glittering gem. This transformation, achieved with expert cutting and polishing, is what gives diamonds their signature radiance and allure.
Whether it is a mined or lab-grown diamond, the transformation journey of a diamond starts with an evaluation of the raw stone.
The diamond cut is one of the important elements of the four C's for diamond characterisation. To achieve a stunning diamond cut, diamond cutters will either cleave or saw the rough stone.
Diamond facets are the angled flat surfaces on the diamond. Each facet is meticulously crafted to capture and reflect light perfectly, enhancing the diamond’s brilliance. The number of facets a diamond will have will depend on the diamond's shape and the cut quality.
After faceting, the diamond is polished using a spinning wheel coated in fine diamond powder. This process smooths out any scratches and gives the diamond its iconic shimmer.
Once the diamond has been cut, shaped, faceted, and polished, it undergoes a final inspection. Experts will thoroughly inspect the diamond with magnifying tools to determine the diamond’s cut and polish quality. If the diamond passes this rigorous inspection, it's ready to be set into a beautiful diamond engagement ring.
Brilliance refers to the reflection of white light that gives a diamond its signature glow. When light enters a diamond, it should bounce internally from facet to facet and then reflect out through the top of the stone. A diamond that is cut too deep or too shallow will look dull, while a well-cut diamond will sparkle with unmatched brightness.
Fire, or dispersion, is the ability of the diamond to split white light into its spectral colours, creating a mesmerising rainbow effect. A masterfully cut diamond will exhibit vibrant flashes of red, blue, yellow, and other colours, especially under direct light.
Scintillation is about the flashes of sparkle on the diamond’s table and facets. When you move the diamond, there should be a play of light and dark areas. A good cut ensures a captivating sparkle of light between these areas, making the diamond come alive.
The arrangement and symmetry of facets matter as they determine how light interacts with the diamond. A diamond with a well-arranged facet pattern enhances the brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
Though diamonds are hard, a good cut also ensures they are resistant to chipping or breaking. Durability is an essential factor, especially when the diamond is adorning your engagement ring. A well-cut diamond will not have any visible structural weaknesses that could jeopardise the longevity of your diamond’s beauty.
Some of the most common Q&A's
The carat is the physical weight of the diamond and not the actual measurements of the stone. We hold a huge range of different carat weights in our showrooms, in a multitude of shapes. We have one of the largest stocks of diamonds available to view in the UK, ranging from 0.20cts – 10.00 cts.
All our certified diamonds are provided with their authentication certificate and a valuation certificate for insurance purposes.
We strongly recommend you consider the GIA, IGI and HRD laboratories. Our diamonds are renowned for superb quality and all come with independent certificates from internationally recognised bodies, such as GIA.
